The Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) is a floating, self-propelled, mobile radar station, and is designed to operate in high winds and heavy seas. It is part of the U.S. Defense Department Ballistic Missile Defense System.
Technical: Cost: $900 million
The radar system is derived from the radar used in the Aegis combat system, and is a part of the layered ballistic missile defense (BMDS) program of the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
One difference from Aegis is the use of X band in the Sea-Based radar system. Aegis uses S band, the Patriot system uses the higher-frequency C band, and the SBX uses the X band frequency which is higher still. Its shorter wavelength enables finer resolution of tracked objects.
What’s the big deal?
The radar has been described as being able to track an object the size of a baseball over San Francisco, California from the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, approximately 2,900 miles away.
What’s the significance?
It means that the U.S. is highly concerned of a North Korean launch of some sort.
Did you know that they may have Super-EMP capabilities?
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